Top things to be on the look out for 👀

Hello, my dearest readers!

I come with another checklist for you:3 This time its a checklist for what you should look for in a student house viewing! Finding the perfect student house can be stressful, especially if it’s your first time renting. With so many things to consider, it’s easy to overlook key details that could make or break your experience. To help you out, this author came up with a few things to look out for when viewing a house.

1. The basics - Location and safety

• Is the house close to the uni, public transport, shops, and other things?
• What is the neighborhood like? You might want to look for a place that has proper street lighting and general safety.
• Get a secure lock system on both the house and bedroom doors.

2. Condition of the property

• Remember kids, we don’t want a place that has visible signs of dampness, mold, or peeling paint.
• Check if the doors and windows can properly close.
• Are the floors, carpets, and walls in decent condition?
• Since it’ll be your new room, I suggest checking the lighting in all rooms too.

3. Utilities and bills

• What is included in the rent?
• Are there energy-efficient appliances and does the heating function well? (very important, in my 1st year I was freezing to death because of bad heating)
• Check if the water pressure is strong enough in taps and showers.

4. Furnishings and storage

• Does the house come furnished? Check for essential furniture (bed, desk, wardrobe, tables, sofa, etc.).
• Is there enough storage space for clothes, books, and other belongings?
• Are the appliances (washing machine, fridge, microwave) in good condition?

5. Bathroom situation

• Turn on taps and shower to check.
• How many bathrooms are there? Will you be sharing with many people?
• Look for signs of leaks, dampness, or mold in the bathroom.

6. Kitchen

• Are there enough kitchen cabinets and fridge space for all housemates?
• Check if the oven, stove, and other appliances work properly.
• Is there ventilation to prevent the smell from cooking or mold buildup?

7.  The tenancy agreement

• Read the contract carefully. Are there any hidden fees or unfair clauses?
• How long is the tenancy period? Are there break clauses if you need to leave early?
• What is the deposit amount, and is it protected under a tenancy deposit scheme?
• Are there any restrictions (guests, pets, smoking)?

8. Outdoor space and parking

• Is there a garden or outdoor area? Who is responsible for maintaining it?
• If you have a car, is there parking available, and is it free or paid?

9. Final checks

• Ask the landlord or agent about previous tenant issues.
• Take pictures of any damage before moving in to avoid unfair charges later.
• Trust your gut, if something feels off, it probably is!!

House hunting as a student can be overwhelming, but keeping this checklist in mind will help you find a place that’s safe, comfortable, and suitable for your needs.

View multiple properties and ask lots of questions to ensure you’re making the right choice. Happy house hunting!!